Happiness Lessons From a Dog

So apparently, today is National Dog Day, which is not a holiday I ever thought I would even have on my radar. Honestly, I've never really been a dog lover, and I certainly didn't desire to have one as a pet. But, as with so many things in life, the plan we have and think is best for us doesn't always align with reality or the lessons we need to learn. So, in a roundabout way and because of my love for a human rather than for any dog, I became the temporary, full-time guardian of a very cute, very sweet-tempered basset/dachshund puppy named Oliver. He has been been part of our lives for about a year, and in that time, he has really grown on me, and I can say I feel genuine affection for him. He has, quite frankly, taught me a lot about how to show up and be happy in life, and I thought those lessons might be worth sharing in honor of this new-to-me holiday. 

Happiness Lessons From a Dog

• Love your people devotedly, intensely, and unconditionally, and show them that you do
• Protect and defend your space and your people when you need to
• Greet the world with curiosity
• Be open to making all kinds of new friends
• Enjoy your own company and be able to entertain yourself
• Leave your mark
• Rest when you're tired
• Snuggle when you can
• Go for walks
• Be silly and playful
• Don't worry about the future or the past, just live for today
• Trust your instincts
• Be yourself unapologetically
• Enjoy the simple pleasures life offers
• Bask in the sunshine and shelter yourself from the rain